25 verses
Deuteronomy 23 contains laws governing who may join the Israelite community, regulations for cleanliness and conduct, and social justice provisions on slavery, debt, and vows.
The chapter opens with strict rules that exclude individuals who are wounded, born outside lawful marriage, or from hostile nations such as the Ammonites and Moabites, and even those their descendants. It then shifts to health directives, prohibiting those found ritually unclean by night from entering the camp until they wash and return after sundown, and specifying the use of a paddle to cover any defiled material. The law of slavery is softened: a runaway slave must be housed within Israelite territory and may not be returned to his master, and a servant of Israel may not be forced into slavery again. Sexual conduct is regulated through prohibitions against incest, prostitution, and sodomy, and the sale of such services is declared abominable. The section on finance forbids usury among brothers while allowing it with strangers, ensuring fair treatment. Finally, the chapter addresses vows and obligations: a vow cannot be omitted but must be fulfilled, and it is lawful to take from a neighbor’s vineyard or standing corn with limited restrictions.
neutral
The passage presents legal directives without explicit emotional language; tone is matter‑of‑fact.